Another week of multiple milestones has passed and Darryl’s journey back gathers more and more momentum, figuratively and literally. The most significant of the achievements, at least in terms of physical demand was on Friday when Darryl managed to walk three lengths of the hoist track at the gym, a total of about 25 metres.
He did this from the safety of a sling from the track above, but it was not supporting him at all. I stood in front and he put his hands on my shoulders to balance and the physio manipulated his right leg and foot which is still quite stiff. One step after another however he made his way across the gym – three times no less. Needless to say the words of Neil Armstrong sprang to mind as those first tentative steps were achieved.
Aside from that however Darryl has been sitting on his own, doing partial squats, sitting on a swiss ball and transferring from his wheelchair to the plinth using a slide board rather than the hoist. All of this is significant in that it shows his core body strength is returning and this is essential in standing.
He continues to exercise in bed or we do a range of stretches and exercises while he is in his wheelchair, all of which will hopefully ensure he won’t be in need of a wheelchair in the not too distant future. It has emerged that with all the improvement and re-gaining of function, there is a trigger to start things ‘going’. It may be slapping the muscle that needs to ’switch on’ or repeatedly moving the limb that can’t do it on its own. In the case of talking, it was fostering a laugh from which self initiated sound could emerge. There seems to be a magic switch for all of it and it’s just a case of trying to find where that switch is and how to flick it on, a process that sounds far less exhaustive than it is in practice.
The other major milestone has been the return of Darryls ability to eat and drink. It is nothing short of astonishing! He has over the past two weeks gone from sipping a tiny amount of water from a teaspoon, to having teaspoon or two of yogurt, to downing a magnificently large roast beef dinner this evening. On Friday Darryl passed the ‘toast test’ meaning he could chew, and swallow toast and was therefore passed for eating a regular diet aside from steak.
From that moment on he has had three meals a day which have varied in size from one and a half servings of roast to four servings of stir fry beef and vegetables with mashed potatoes, followed by a pot of yogurt, two kiwifruit, two bowls of ice cream, a cup of coffee and then a cup of tea and four gingernuts! The size of his meals is only matched by the gasps of amazement by the staff who are overjoyed at his rapid progress.
As his eating is improving (well returned to normal in a matter of days) so too has his ability to speak. Due to a large extent to the exercise of the throat, tongue and facial muscles in chewing. So too then, along with the numerous other achievements, has his talking improved. He has come out with some classic ‘Darrylisms’ such as saying “charming” when he expelled yet another steam bomb, but each day he has also become more inquisitive about his fate and the reason for being at rehab.
He has asked repeatedly what happened to him and what is going on, which while alarming in some ways because he askes quite often, is apparently a very positive sign as it shows he is moving from a state of post traumatic amnesia into the ‘now’. It also means that the gravity of the situation is beginning to dawn on him and the long road ahead and the weeks lost to him for all time are colliding as he emerges from the fog.
One of the difficulties of this phase is continually explaining to Darryl the same information as he can ask and forget within an hour or two as the brain begins to make and store memories of the ‘now’. In this sense I do have the odd chuckle at the ground hog day factor when I catch myself giving the same answers to the same questions over and over. I do manage to refine my answers through this process however. It’s quite a forgiving way to parent actually, as if I don’t quite get it right the first, second or third time, chances are I’m going to get a few more goes at it with a clean slate each time.
In all though, so much improvement has occured this week on a number of different levels and Darryl continues to impress all at the rehab with his recovery and bring joy to us and no doubt you too as he moves great mounds of stones on his long way back.
Darryl, many weeks ago a very dark night descended on all of us and having survived the darkest hour before the dawn, the day broke with a thick blanket of fog which cast doubt on where the way forward was. Well day by day that fog has lifted and the first real rays of sun have begun to shed their warmth on you and us all.
For the first time we can sense the promise of the new day and begin to search through the last threads of mist for the horizon. I am so proud of you Darryl. I am so glad you are back and with each new day you grow stronger and well, just more you again.
You will probably not remember any of this, but buried deep in your subconcious will be the strengthened fabric of your character which has carried you to this point and has grown as you have fought your way back.
You are a very, very special young man. Keep it up.
Love you Darryl
Dad
Morning Dazzla
Way to go mate, Huge steps for you aye…
You mean so much to so many people
Having you in our lives is such a huge blessing
We are very stoked for you and we are sorry that you
have to go through that stage of “figuring this out”
cant be easy, none of this process has been easy
but we are very glad that you are infact “going through the process” Please know Dazzla that you are not doing this alone
as we think about you missioning everyday!!!
We are always just a phone call away to give you a boost
You are the treat, a real Gem
Keep it real little bro and keep going forward
The Tubbs Family
One small step for mankind……….
One great step for Darryl
Where did we hear that??
Or did it come from a determined young man that we have got to know…. and hope to meet one day and shake his hand!!!!
Proud of you buddy!!
Kia kaha!!
Bill Thurston
Heya!
great to hear you’re doing soo well. Appetite back and eating with a vengence, heh heh.You must be pleased to be back eating real food….and plenty of it too!!
Everything on the farm is well, slowly drying out(we hope). I think I was the only one to add to your feedback with complaints (about the farm) so I hope you got a laugh out of it…heheh, Its hard sometimes to remember what exsists off the farm.
On a much better note, Tiki T plays Kaitaia this Thurs which Im excited cause I haven’t seen him in over a year now.
Just listen to the Mainland Boys, good things take time.
All the best
Hads
I had to smile over the size of the meals being consumed. I remember a rugby playing friend of mine breaking his jaw and having it wired shut … those roast dinners went into the blender and he drank them, or so legend goes.
Lately, when things have been a bit challenging, I can’t help thinking ‘but Di, Darryl would do it’, so there you go, over here, on the other side of the world where we’ve been battling 30 celsius and mosquitoes … you’re inspiring people with your courage and strength.
Congratulations on the walking, the eating and the laughter … it sounds like this last week has been a good week.
Take care and stay strong.
Awesome news on all fronts, it must be such a relief to eat real food Darryl.
Mike your comment about having to repeat what has happened, to help Darryl into the here and now, reminds me of the movie “50 First Dates”! I know it’s a movie, but one very useful little technique used in the movie struck me as being very clever. The partner of the character with tbi made a short video “situation update” for her to watch each morning, to remind her of the basics of her life at that time. Might be useful to have something similar in reserve for Darryl to use if you’re not around to do it in person.
Have a great week team.
Hey Darryl its Zoe.
Man your doing awesome! Congrats on all the achievements of late, its great to hear that your up and about and eating again. I still owe you that night out clubbing in town so keep on getting better and one day in the not so distant future well go dancing together
lots of love xxx
Hey well done, guys – huge progress! Congratulations to you Mike – this kid couldn’t have a more devoted father and it looks like it’s paying off. Love the way you got him laughing again. Never underestimate the power of a fart joke! Not sure it would work on girls though. All the best – L
Hey all,
What another great week has passed. You’ll show them soon that you don’t need the sling. Get some more good food into you and get going!!! Have a good week and know that you are still thought of lots. Time to go hard so you can go home!!! Keep up the good work.
Regards Jane
Hi Darryl
Fabulous progress!!! Great to hear how you’re getting on and the huge gains you’re making. Has Dad let you have a sip or two of beer yet that he kept tempting you with the smell of in our HDU?
Wishing you another great week and we look forward to you walking back in to see us here on ward 81 in the not too distant future.
Anna- PT ward 81, Auckland City Hospital
We have been reading your progress since day one as a family and praying that you would at least get to this stage!! Amazed at the progress you have made Darryl and at what an amazing family you have!!! Keep it going all of you and before you know it this will be a distant memory!! love and prayers!
What an excellent week Team Sabin!!! Look forward to hearing from you next week guys… Great Work!!!! Get it down ya Darryl!!
Hey Darryl,
Today I heard what had happened to you and went straight onto your website to see how you are doing. Man, it sounds like you are well on your way!! It is great that you have awesome family and friends that are helping you down the road ahead!!
I don’t know if you will remember me? We hang out about a year ago, I took you horse riding and then we ended up having a fun night with my netball friends in Kerikeri. It was a good time!!!
I wish you luck and well done for what you have achieved so far.
All the best
Millie
way to go d!
you may have a hard time figuring this next stage out but just know every one is here for you and youve got a kazillion tonnes of support behind you D,especially your mum,dad&partner and defintaley your sis&whanau
thumbs up to your progress
love always
your freind
bonXX:)
Hi Daz,
Am still in USA but will be back soon. Let me know if you have any requests you want brought back. Keep up the great progress.
Love
Steph and Lance
Indeed, you are one very, very special young man Darryl. Lots of Love to you all.
D D Dazzla
Wow, saw a photo of you for the first time in a long time. You look exactly the same as you always have. Perfect
When I came and saw right in the beginning soon after the accident, at first I was so nervous to go into you room. But once I saw you, you just looked exactly the same as you always have. You def didn’t look like you had just been in a serious accident. You just looked completely normal, but as if you were sleeping.
Each time I walked out of your room I left with this awesome positive feeling and an overwhelming sense that everything was going to be fine.
Now it’s coming true and everything IS going to be fine! Thanks to you and your determination, your strong will and your amazing spirit and of course with out a doubt Thanks to your Loving family and the dedicated staff around you.
Together, a team that you would defiantly want on your side. A force to be reckoned with.
Undefeatable, no matter what is thrown in front of you Dazzla. You are the reason you are recovering back to who you are.
So you’ve been missing in action for awhile, but believe me you haven’t missed out on anything. It’s just been a typical cold winter and if anything I think we should all hibernate a bit over winter and use the time to let our body recuperate. That’s how you should try and look at it, your body just needed some time to recuperate and that’s what it did.
I’m so glad for you that you are starting to be able to communicate with everyone, I used to constantly think about how frustrating it must been for you.
I’m so sorry that you had to go through all of this, and I know it’s no consolation, but they say God only gives you things he knows you can handle. Well let’s just say he must think really highly of you to know that you could make it through this.
Try and think of it as one small period of your life that is going to determine a lot of who you are in the future, make you such a bigger, better, stronger person. (as if you weren’t already
)
It’s something (a good thing) that you are going to be able to take with you for the rest of your life’s journey. Lesson’s that you might not even realize yet that you have learned that allot of us would take a whole life time to learn.
I know this must all be so frustrating for you, but Dazzla just try and take one day at a time, try and put all you energy into recovering and when you get out of there, you can spend time looking back and reflecting on what has happened.
Miss talking to you,
Xxxx Lulu*.
Mike, Catherine & Breena,
Just a quick note to say I’m sohappy for you all and Darryl on hids progress. You are settind a gold standard on what “family is all about.
God Bless!
Max
Central California
“….[we are] fearfully and wonderfully made….” Psalm 139:14.
Well done team Sabin, keep up the good work.
God bless you all.
Sue.
And so the miracle unfolds…you are in safe in the palm of God’s hand Darryl xo
“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Hi Darryl
We started the week by bringing in the ewes and drafting them into there scanning mobs,singles and twinns.The yards turned a bit muddy but job was done and dusted.Have Samuel and Conner,2 eleven year old boys helping me during the school holidays.
To-day we were back at the cattle yards weighing bulls for the works.We got out 58, the other 181 were given a Pour-on drench and spread out through the bull unit again.
Some of the Thoms Landing country has started to get wet and the grass has slowed in that area.
The general hands have just finished doing up the electric fences at Browns lease.It certainly looks a lot better now and the cattle arent walking through the fences anymore.
Kathleen picked the last of the tomatoes out of your garden on the week-end.The staff all had plenty to take home.
Keep taking long strides.
Regards Kathleen,Max,Deane,Lewis,Latimer,and Sandy.
Evening Boys
Uncle Dazzla you totally blew us away,
You have come so far so solidly!!
You are so focused and oozing with passion for life
Your smile melts hearts and livens up the room
Your Waves, Winks, Laughter and Tears
punch through the stale air and create space
in all of us and the entirety of the room
You totally ROCK our world Darryl
and we are so very grateful to have you in our lives
You totally Dazzle everyone that is in your life
guess now I have worked out the reasoning behind your
nickname, You live right up to it mate!!! Shot Al
You are P H E N O M E N A L – got that Darryl – I N S P I R A L T I O N A L getting it yet??
We have huge respect for you
and YOU have so got this Dazzla
You can make a full recovery
and you will
Never under estimate the power of “Darryl Sabin” Aye!!
Look who’s BACK
back Again
Darryl’s Back
Tell a Friend
Look who’s back , look who’s back, look who’s back….
Hi Darrly. Great to hear such wonderful news ,the acheivements that have been made are truely a miracle.
Len & Dorothy
Was good to see you all on Sunday. Hope you worked hard in the gym this week too Darryl with no slacking about, can’t wait to see you again….we might have to watch what we say to you by then tho.
Good Afternoon Dazzla
Hope you are having a good day today. I’ve been pretty busy at work, with a lot of paper work. Still seem to be catching up from stock take a few weeks ago, cus it was the end of the financial year.
End of the financial year means I can do my tax return, which is good cus I’m hoping to get a bit of cash back, never a bad thing
.
Dazzla, if I was in your position, I would be so flippen pissed off that this had happened to me, and so you should be! You did not ask for this to happen and you defiantly defiantly didn’t deserve it! But the good thing is, is that you ARE going to recover. It may take some time, BUT you will be back to you. So proud of you for putting in so much effort and having so much determination.
In another week or two things are going to be so much better for you!!
Keep working hard, and eating big.:)
XxXx Lulu*.
To Dazzla’s Family,
The amount of commitment, Love, Determination and sacrifice you have put into Dazzla and his recovery is incredible. You are all amazing!
PRAISE THE LORD! It is so awesome to hear that Darryl has come so far.
God Bless
Andrew
Wonderful work you lot. Mike well done on being such a devoted and loving dad, I’m sure that your input has made a huge difference in the speed of Darryls recovery. Darryl, you are a legend, keep up the great work.
Jax
Morning Dazzla
You gave the boys such a boost after they saw you,
Its the very first thing out of their mouths when
seeing somebody new – “Uncle Dazzla’s doing so well1!!”
“He wrote our names for us and he is going to come home with us soon!!”
You made quite the impression, You have always been pretty good at that hey Dazzla!!
Hope your scan went well, nice to see you are on track for the
first All blacks game in the Tri Nations. Man what a lift that will give ya hey!! Might be just what the doctor ordered…
Calves still coming, getting heaps of stuff done, Just started
feeing the maize and the cows are lapping that up as you can imagine the paddocks are still pretty wet up here.
The boys have been begging Allen to take them every morning for the milkings, but up until now the shed has been a little testy with lots of new Heifers being brought in for the first time, but this morning they got to go. Up they got 4:30am clothes were ready to go at the end of their beds and they came in to say good bye with huge grins on their faces. So happy man, nice to see.
Well our mate Have a great day, work hard so you can get back.
Miss ya
The Tubbs Family
Hey Dazzla
Well Friday is here, whoo hoo. Last day of work for the week.
It’s still pretty cold at the moment but the days are pretty sunny, which is good.
Not much really to report from this side, work is same old same old. Had same training sessions at the gym with a trainer as part of the joining deal. Was pretty good, but man I was aching the days that followed. But it’s all good.
Went down the coast last weekend, a friend from back home has bought a house with her boyfriend, so I went down to check it out. Was pretty cool! They live in a really nice area, lots of bush and nice and peaceful.
Hope you are doing well and keeping your chin up. Soon, hopefully I’ll be able to speak to you on the phone. :0
Rest up and eat lot’s this weekend, and hopefully maybe they can organise a movie or two for you to watch. Or even just watch the news, will be good to catch up on what’s going on.
XxXx Lulu*.
I have not been on to your website for approx a month, logged in today and I am thrilled to bits about Darrly’s progress. My love and thoughts are with you and your family.
Donna
Evening Dazzla
Been on the farm from Dark till Dark today
Shirley came up to give us a hand looking after the kids
so I can help on the farm for the weekend
She was a pretty fierce day today, heaps of wind and cutting rain
Farming is a tuff challenging job I can see why you like it
There is allot to remember in order to get it right all the time
and obviously by that comment I never got everything right today
Good fun anyway…
Hope your day was awesome, Bet your dad has a whole new page of
things to add to the wow factor of your recovery
wish we lived closer – ah no, I mean wish you were closer
Take care and keep on bringing yourself back
The Tubbs Family
Hey Darryl!
So i got a full update! Cant wait till your back up north where you belong.
Gosh its been awhile im sorry! I was internetless for a few weeks, not that its much of an excuse. But WOW! progress! Cmon dude your blowing me away! haha. I caught up with Wayne the other day, he took me out for a coffee for my birthday.
Thinking of you always
Heather
hey darryl!
its a fuuny thing how your situation has effected people in diferent ways
some feel the need to put past situations behind them and give their full support,others dont no you but relate through different happenings in their lives,freinds feel the need to be at your side,and i bet your family has been brung together hugley
I no for sure its effected me largely.
I cant say that weve been freinds since little.
I cant say we were in the same preschool.
I cant say we were in the same class.
I cant say we were even at the same school.
but for the year that i spent time with you,
I made a freind who bought a smile to my face,every time he taLked,weather it was cracking a blonde joke,explaining ways to skin a cow,showing me how to ride the quad(without crashing)or talking about his grandmas cooking
I made a friend who mum and haley would tease me about,throwing chicken across the kitchen just because he walked in the room
I made a frind who every holidays and spear weekend i would zoom up north to hang out with,even if it ment working on the farm(not that im complaining)
I made i friend who i raved about,telling stories of moving the bulls and stalling the qaud at the not so good moments or getting shat on while milking,or spending an extra hour in the shed just talking,even though all the cows had gone through and the boss qestioning why it took so long
I cant wait to hang with you again or even just see that smile
life is a lil dull without you to be around D
love your freind always
bonXx:)
Solid blog. I got a lot of good data. I’ve been keeping an eye on this technology for awhile. It’s fascinating how it keeps varying, yet some of the core elements stay the same. Have you seen much change since Google made their latest acquisition in the arena?